Summer Saving Tips

Now that summertime is here, we can all relax. No snow to shovel, no need to blast the heat or clear ice out of the gutters. No need for snow tires or tire chains, and no need to stock up on canned goods, candles, and flashlights for a potential blackout. Good weather is here and with it comes an escape from seasonal expenses. Right?

Wrong. Summer days can often rack up more expenses than winter ones. Air conditioners use a phenomenal amount of energy, water bills skyrocket, and we replace the shovels and deicers with sunscreens and bug sprays. We here at 5 Point Capital, however, have a few summer saving tips that you may find useful.

When it comes to air conditioning, we tend to blast it as high as it will go. With heat, we are sometimes content to warm the house and then cuddle under a blanket or put on warm clothes. When summer comes around though, there is no added coolness that could be the equivalent of a big blanket. When you’re hot, you’re hot. As a result, we tend to blast the cold air, striking up huge power bills. We here at Five Point Capital suggest turning the air on only during the hottest part of the day. Keep your windows open at night and then close them first thing in the morning, and draw the shades. This will fill the house with cool air at night, which you can trap inside during the day. When the cool air starts to wane around noon, turn the air on until the sun goes down. However, remember to turn the air on when the house first starts to heat up, not when it is already much too hot. A cool house will reach an optimal temperature much faster and with less energy than a very hot house.

When it comes to the water bill, be reasonable. Water shortages are common all across the country, especially in the hot summer months. Do not take incredibly long showers. Do not leave the water running when brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Do not re-fill the pool every single day. Most importantly, do not attempt to water plants that could rival the jungle. Plants may be pretty, but let’s face it: they use valuable water and they attract bugs. Knock out two birds with one stone here and limit your plants to a select few, or to especially hardy plants that can survive without constant water. You’ll save on your water bill and on bug spray as well!

When it comes to sunscreen, Five Point Capital offers this advice – buy it! We can all get by with slightly warmer houses or slightly fewer plants, but your skin is yours for the rest of your life. Stock up on sunscreen and protect your skin. Besides, if you’re spending all your time outside, who needs air conditioners and decorative plants! Hit the beach, the park, the pool—anything to stay outdoors, and enjoy this beautiful summer.